Marks & Spencer (M&S) has announced the introduction of 85 zero-or-lower emission vehicles to its supply chain logistics fleet as part of its Plan A roadmap to Net Zero by 2040.
Five zero emission battery electric heavy goods vehicles (HGV) will operate between M&S’ Clothing & Home distribution centre in Welham Green, and 30 stores across London and the South East, including Oxford Street and Bluewater.
The 42-tonne battery electric Renault trucks will directly replace equivalent diesel trucks.
The vehicles are delivered under the eFREIGHT 2030 project, part of the UK government’s zero emission HGV and infrastructure demonstrator programme that aims to decarbonise road freight transport by accelerating the uptake of zero emissions HGVs and their charging infrastructure.
From September, M&S also started taking delivery of 30 new vehicles that run on compressed natural gas for its Clothing & Home business, making it one of the first retailers, it reports, to introduce 6×2 CNGs in the UK.
This follows a long-term collaborative trial with IVECO testing the vehicle’s reliability, fuel economy and green credentials.
The retailer also recently introduced 50 4×2 compressed natural gas vehicles to its food logistics business Gist as part of its food supply chain transformation.
The compressed natural gas lorry cabs are powered by biomethane, a sustainable renewable fuel derived from waste products including food, animal manure and wastewater, which reduces CO2 emissions by up to 85% versus a diesel engine.
Once these 85 vehicles are in operation, almost 10% of M&S’ total transport fleet will be powered by zero or lower-emission solutions.
Head of group transport at M&S Julian Bailey said: “Adapting our logistics network is vital in achieving our Plan A Net Zero ambitions.
“We’re committed to reducing carbon emissions from our transport and through collaboration we are able to reduce carbon, save energy, and drive operational efficiencies across the business.
“By trialling new vehicle technologies, we’re able to deliver our products, which are sourced and made with care, to our depots and stores with a lower impact on our planet.”
Projects advancing sustainable transport planning will be celebrated at the fourth annual CiTTi Awards on 26 November 2025 at De Vere Grand Connaught Rooms in London. Visit www.cittiawards.co.uk to learn more about this unmissable event for the UK’s transportation sector – and to book your table!
